Semen Baturaja Launches Rucida and Batik Programs, Encouraging Economic Independence in the Air Gading Community

BATURAJA – PT Semen Baturaja Tbk (SMBR), a subsidiary of PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (SIG), has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting community empowerment through its Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) program. This time, the company inaugurated two flagship programs under its guidance: Rumah Cacing Berdaya (Rucida) and Baturaja Ternak Ikan Kreatif (Batik), located in Air Gading Village, West Baturaja District, Ogan Komering Ulu Regency (OKU), South Sumatra, on Tuesday (November 11).

The symbolic inauguration of these programs was carried out by Diah Monalisa Suherman, Advisor to the Semen Baturaja Employees’ Wives Association (IIKSB), along with Zwesti Karenia Teddy, Chairperson of the OKU Regency Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) Movement Team.

Previously, SMBR had conducted outreach activities for the Rucida and Batik programs in Air Gading Village on Tuesday (September 30) as the initial stage of the program implementation. After undergoing preparation and training with the local community, both programs have been officially launched for sustainable implementation.

The inauguration ceremony was also attended by the Head of Baturaja Barat District, Yan Kurniawan, Arif Sobirin, Head of Air Gading Village, the Head of the Family Welfare Movement (TP PKK) of Baturaja Barat District, the Head of the PKK of Air Gading Village, Iwan, Head of the Karang Taruna (Youth Organization) of Air Gading Village, and members; Yeni Agustin Hari Liandu, Head of the IIKSB (Indonesian Children’s Association), and administrators; Hari Liandu, VP of Corporate Secretary of SMBR; Andy Aprizal, Senior Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and staff.

To implement these programs, SMBR provides assistance in the form of cultivation facilities and equipment, including earthworm cultivation tools and media, fish ponds, freshwater fish fry, as well as feed and other supporting equipment.

The Rumah Cacing Berdaya (Rucida) program is an economic and environmental-based community empowerment initiative that focuses on cultivating earthworms as raw materials for animal feed and organic fertilizer. Meanwhile, the Baturaja Ternak Ikan Kreatif (Batik) program aims to develop the community’s economic potential through freshwater fish cultivation.

These two programs are independently managed by the Family Welfare Movement (PKK) and the Air Gading Village Youth Organization (Karang Taruna) as a form of intergenerational collaboration to create sustainable business opportunities.

In her remarks, Diah Monalisa Suherman expressed her appreciation for the collaboration between various parties in implementing this CSR program.

“As part of the PT Semen Baturaja family, we from the Semen Baturaja Employees’ Wives Association (IIKSB) are proud and happy that the CSR programs currently being implemented not only focus on community economic empowerment, but also on building independence, sustainability, and environmental awareness,” said Diah.

Meanwhile, Zwesti Karenia Teddy expressed her appreciation and full support for SMBR’s initiative.

“Through this activity, we are also strengthening the bonds of friendship and collaboration between the OKU Regency Government, PT Semen Baturaja, the community, and women’s organizations such as IIKSB and TP PKK. This synergy is key to ensuring each program brings real and sustainable benefits to local residents,” said Zwesti.

Zwesti also added that his office, along with the OKU Regency Government, will continue to support the implementation of SMBR’s CSR programs in the region.

“I greatly appreciate this initiative, and on behalf of the Ogan Komering Ulu Regency Family Welfare Movement Team, we express our deepest gratitude to PT Semen Baturaja and all its staff for their support of Karang Taruna and the Family Welfare Movement (PKK), especially in Air Gading Village. We, the Regency, will continue to support this program to ensure its success and sustainability,” he added. (*)